Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Rising abruptly from the coastal jungle plains of eastern Tanzania, a series of forested mountains form a contiguous range known as the Eastern Arc Mountains. Among them, Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse. This mountain range consists of several isolated massifs, and due to its unique flora and fauna treasures, it is also referred to as the Galápagos of Africa — most famously home to the beautiful African violet.

Udzungwa is the only massif in the ancient Eastern Arc range to be designated a national park, and the only one in Tanzania with continuous forest cover from 250 meters to 2,576 meters above sea level. Rather than being a traditional wildlife viewing destination, Udzungwa is a hiking paradise. There are numerous trails through the forest, including the popular half-day hike to Sanje Waterfalls. The falls plunge 170 meters into a forested valley, creating misty sprays below.

With a climate ideal for birds, the park is home to over 400 species. From the charming and common Green-headed Oriole to lesser-known endemic species of the Eastern Arc Mountains, birdwatchers flock here. Of the six recorded primate species, two are endemic: the Iringa Red Colobus and the Sanje Crested Mangabey, the latter of which wasn’t discovered by scientists until 1979.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Why go: One of Africa’s most biodiverse national parks

Continent: Africa

Country/Region: Tanzania

Province/State: Morogoro Region